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School feeding programs in developing countries: impacts on children's health and educational outcomes
Lamis H Jomaa1, Elaine McDonnell, Claudia Probart
1Department of Nutritional Sciences, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA. lamisjomaa@gmail.com
Nutrition Reviews
|February 8, 2011
Summary
School feeding programs (SFPs) positively impact children's energy intake, micronutrient status, enrollment, and attendance. However, effects on growth, cognition, and academic achievement require further investigation for better program design.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutrition Science
- Education Policy
Background:
- School feeding programs (SFPs) aim to reduce child hunger and improve health and educational outcomes.
- These programs are implemented in developing countries to support vulnerable populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of SFPs on nutritional, health, and educational outcomes in school-aged children.
- To identify research gaps and challenges in SFP implementation and evaluation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of peer-reviewed articles and reviews published in the last 20 years.
- Screening and analysis of studies focusing on SFPs in developing countries.
Main Results:
- Consistent positive effects observed in energy intake, micronutrient status, school enrollment, and attendance.
- Less conclusive evidence regarding the impact on growth, cognition, and academic achievement.
Conclusions:
- SFPs show promise in improving immediate nutritional and attendance indicators.
- Further theory-based impact evaluations are needed to strengthen evidence for SFP design and funding.
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